CITY OF MATI, DAVAO ORIENTAL— Some would-be technopreneurs, consisting of individuals who aspire to set up business that taps technology and the internet, underwent a workshop on Startup Basics.
Organized by the Department of Communications and Technology (DICT) in partnership with QBO Innovation Hub and the Provincial Government through the Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO), the workshop, which was held at the Greg’s Hotel in the City of Mati on October 18 was participated by business management students, as well as Information Technology graduates, and government and private employees.
Natasha Bautista, Head of Operations of QBO Innovations Hub, said that they intend to spread digital startup awareness and encourage the growth of the startup ecosystem in the country considering the huge income from investments.
“The region in Southeast-Asia pulled in 7.8 Billion US dollars from investors last year. That’s triple from the amount of investment from the year 2016. However, the number of investments here in the Philippines is very much low compared to other countries so let’s build Philippine ecosystem this time around,” she said.
QBO Innovations Hub, the country’s first public-private initiative for assisting startups, aims to create a globally competitive startup ecosystem by providing access to resources; building skill sets through workshops and crash courses; connecting startups with corporates, government, funders, and investors; and, accelerating growth through a customized incubation program.
“The ecosystem is very new. We’re very optimistic and its growing. There’s a lot of opportunity and the challenge is the investment but the investment can also be seen as a good thing. It means that its cheap to invest in the country. In the startup ecosystem the number one strength that we have is the available market. There are 110 million people in the country so you’ll know that your product or service will have customers. And speaking of talent, I realize that talent is not in Metro Manila but the talent is here. I’m amazed by how smart the students are, how technical the students are, even the graduate in the provinces,” Bautista added.
Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, who signified his support for the department’s initiative by affixing his signature in the wall of commitment together with DICT Regional Director Engr. Erlito Tacontian, said that it will help “push for programs of innovation for the country to improve its global competitiveness”.
“Opportunities for success in business abound in our beloved Province of Davao Oriental because we now have the facilities, the skills and the competence to get things done. And we are fully committed to pursue both the prosperity of our people, and the prosperity of those who have placed their confidence in us. And we want to make it easier for people to do business in our province. We are now focusing on industries where there are actual opportunities for mutual benefit,” said the governor.
Prime mover from the department’s central office such as Yusuph Sariph II and Camille Borlongan joined Engr. Paullete Gevera, DICT Provincial Head and PESO Provincial Head Jay Dayanghirang in facilitating the activity.
